Reading the Script

Are you allowed to analyze someone's handwriting
without their permission? Is that considered an invasion of their
privacy? Thanks.

Dear Larry Korn,

In some cases, "privacy" is protected by
halacha. For example, someone who causes a loss of privacy by
knocking down a wall or constructing a building such that it overlooks
another property may be liable for damages. It's prohibited to
read someone's mail without their permission. Taking someone's
notebook without their permission and reading it could be considered
stealing.

But when you're allowed to read the writing
- if someone sends you a letter, for example - there's no prohibition
against picking up clues about the person's personality contained
in the writing. It's not essentially different than making judgments
about a person based on the way he acts, speaks or dresses. For
example, if a person speaks very quickly and nervously, you are
not "invading his privacy" by thinking "he seems
nervous."

You should be wary, however, of indiscriminate use
of your skill to pigeonhole others. We are commanded to judge
others favorably and give them the benefit of the doubt.